Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 24 to Dec. 30, 2022

Good morning.

Today I have just five features and news stories to share with you today, since I was out of office for most of this week, although I did work some Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (with COVID) so my co-workers could enjoy the holiday (Don't worry - my family Christmas is Jan. 7. I will not be working then).

However, I will be back to work on Tuesday. In the meantime, check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news for more great stories, including a few of mine that have not yet run.

I spent most of this past week sleeping, quite honestly, and just getting past COVID. I did a little social media and a little bit of catching up on the business side of the BryonySeries to close out 2022 but that's about it - and my house shows it!

In tomorrow's blog will recap our sales year for the BryonySeries. Believe me, the results are nothing to retire on. But ever since Rebekah and I began studying marketing in earnest over COVID, our sales numbers are gradually increasing - and we are seeing repeat sales, too. 

We also have enough moving parts to the business that we plan to talk to our accountant at tax time (early February for us) to help with some of the financial tasks. This is an exciting step for us.

So, as a means of encouraging other indie artists like us as what progress looks like (to us), we'd like to share our results for 2022.

I also played with a bit of fiction yesterday and completed a rough draft for a chapter. I now have rough drafts for the first five chapters of in the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill. 

I had hoped to finish writing the next Adventures of Cornell Dyer story: Cornell Dyer and the Hounds of Basketville. Sue Midlock almost has the art done, too. But I will adjust and get that book written soon.

You can find other titles in the series here. Timothy has not yet added our latest titles to the BryonySeries bookstore. But all titles are also on Amazon. 

I'm also working on a guide book to the series called: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries.

And I'm also working on a novella. But I'm not sharing any details yet. 

Rebekah is also slowly updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts, so watch for those.

Now back to the stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too.

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I do post the briefs on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter at @BryonySeries and assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FEATURES

Ukrainian refugees find connection and hope in Will County: Alla Lavrinenko: ‘I felt I was with family.’

Baran-Unland: Enjoy a trip to Joliet’s Christmas past with our gallery of vintage photos

Tackle New Year’s resolutions with hypnotherapy: Joliet hypnotist to host informational event Jan. 4, 2023: Brenda Gray said hypnotism is not magical or mysterious.

5 Things to do in Will County: family friends ways to welcome 2023: Plus, drive around Joliet and view the holiday lights in neighborhoods.

Pets of the Week: Dec. 26, 2022: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 23 to April 29

Good morning!

I have fifteen feature stories to share with you today and more yet posted. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news. 

However, I wrote eighteen stories for a special "Thank You, Teachers," edition that will run in print and online on May 5. So be sure to check it out. 

On the fiction side of things, I'm working on the final development of the minor characters in Call of the Siren, which I hope to complete this weekend and finish incorporating the following weekend. 

Call of the Siren is the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins.

Now that our slew of family emergencies (2022) is an adventure: here is one of our emergencies), Rebekah is planning to dedicate two days in May to catching up with BryonySeries projects she's had to let go for a while.

That includes formatting Call of the Siren and do the finishing production touches of Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones and Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being, along with some other behind-the-scenes projects, such as updating the BryonySeries Pinterest and YouTube pages.

Both Rebekah and our artist Sue Midlock have gone through health issues this past year, which has caused publication delays (both books were written last year. But I'd rather have delays and healthy collaborators. Please send up good thoughts for them both.

Next up in the series: a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). Timothy is ready for a Cornell breakfast to share his ideas.

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed two portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a third. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

Rebekah Baran has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is halfway written, and the rest are outlined. 

Now back to the fifteen stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too -

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I do post the briefs on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter at @BryonySeries and assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FEATURES

Family nurse practitioner Amy Bohland now seeing patients in Braidwood and Dwight: Bohland is also certified in skin and wound management.

Baran-Unland: ‘New life’ is Easter’s hope and joy, no matter how or when you celebrate: Easter gives people hope that challenges are temporary.

Joliet West H.S. interp, journalism teams do well at IHSA competitions 

Help stop spread of bird flu – stop using bird feeders and birdbaths until May 31: IDNR offers tips for cleaning bird feeders and bird baths if they can’t be removed.

D. 202 in Plainfield announces new director for middle school curriculum and instruction: Michelle Imbordino is currently principal at Liberty Elementary School 

Sen. Michael Hastings tours future NICU at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox: Hastings: ‘This new NICU will give loved ones the option to stay close to home during this critical stage’ 

Providence Catholic High School NHS inducts new 121 new members: 5 new senior members also received NHS stoles 

Pets of the Week: May 25: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

D-202 in Plainfield to host 30th annual Awards of Excellence on April 27: Community invited to attend.

Plainfield Park District hires 2 new managers 

Providence Catholic H.S. in New Lenox inducts members, directors of its Augustinian Youth Ministry: 64 students and 6 student directors were inducted into the service organization on April 5. 

Break the Ramadan fast with Muslims at Plainfield mosque on Tuesday: Ahmed: ‘They will find out that Islam is about justice, peace, unity and love.’

5 Things to do in Will County: Get back to nature with a plant sale, spring hike: Plus, meet local authors, see an art exhibit and enjoy ‘Baby Shark Live’

Morris Hospital receives a 3-year accreditation from Commission on Cancer: Morris Hospital is one of 63 cancer programs in Illinois,

7 providers from Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers recognized for excellent patient care

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 16 to April 22

Good morning!

I have just nine feature stories to share with you today and more yet posted. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news. 

It's been a busy week of of finishing up some large projects on the features side and turning the challenges of last week into blessings on the personal side. Our family is Eastern Orthodox and this is our Holy Week, so the timing for everything is perfect, wouldn't you agree?

On the fiction side of things, the drafts and initial edits of the remaining chapters of Call of the Siren are complete as are the first round of edits for a client. I'll be busy on Saturday with some of my kids preparing traditional Easter food and I have a dentist appointment (routine), but I plan to slip in some time on the novel in pockets of time, especially since I work next weekend and fiction time will be minimal.

Call of the Siren is the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I'm anticipating a late spring publication date, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins.

We plan to release Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones and Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being very soon. Both Rebekah and our artist Sue Midlock have gone through health issues this past year, which has caused publication delays. But I'd rather have delays and healthy collaborators. Please send up good thoughts for them both.

Next up in the series: a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). Timothy is ready for a Cornell breakfast to share his ideas. He and I just need our time off schedules to sync. But that won't be this week as he is leaving this morning for a week-long business trip out of state. 

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed two portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a third. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

Rebekah Baran has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is halfway written, and the rest are outlined. 

Now back to the twelve stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too -

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I do post the briefs on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FEATURES

5 Things to do in Will County: Earth Day, ‘Forest Fitness’ and music: Plus, St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield will host an Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit Saturday and Sunday

Sen. Dick Durbin toured future NICU at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox Wednesday: During a press conference, Durbin shared his affinity for newborns who need care 

Roger ‘Zeke’ Gates’ 20-year Easter basket ministry is still hopping: Gates gave up his partying ways in 1985 when he found God. And the community supports Gates’ efforts to help others.

Will County residents turn expired surgical drapes into waterproof sleeping bags for Ukranian refugees: Greg Aimaro: ‘They’re waterproof and also good at containing heat’

Pets of the Week: April 18: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

New Lenox resident hopes he can safely return to the Ukraine next month: Greg Aimaro has plans for giving back to the people of Ukraine.

Visitation and Aid Society in Joliet hosting Spring Elegance Brunch on May 1: Deadline to purchase tickets is April 25

Karen Pastell receives Woman of the Year award from Zonta Club of Joliet Area: Pastell has belonged to the club 14 years

7 providers from Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers recognized for excellent patient care: Awards based on patient experience surveys from 2021

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 12 to March 19

Good morning!

I have seventeen feature stories to share with you today and about a dozen not posted yet. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

On the fiction front, I'm still making nice progress on Call of the Siren. I have all but four chapters edited, and I hope to have at least one more in good shape by the end of the weekend.

Call of the Siren is the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy). I'm anticipating a late spring publication date, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins.

We plan to release Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones and Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being very soon. Both Rebekah and our artist Sue Midlock have gone through health issues this past year, which has caused publication delays. But I'd rather have delays and healthy collaborators. Please send up good thoughts for them both.

Next up in the series: a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). Timothy is ready for a Cornell breakfast to share his ideas. He and I just need our time off schedules to sync.

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed two portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a third. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

Rebekah Baran has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is halfway written, and the rest are outlined. 

Now back to the seventeen stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too -

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I do post the briefs on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FEATURES

Celebrate the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines with Mass on March 12: Bishop Ron Hicks will celebrate the anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet.

32-page illustrated booklet lists bird species reported at Midewin: Booklet will help the Midewin staff manage and protect the grassland bird area

Morris Hospital honors Randy Kiefling as its Fire Starter of the Month for February: Randy Kiefling is known as the ‘go-to-guy’ at Morris Hospital

Register by March 14 for youth poetry slam at Joliet Historical Museum: Youth may win 1 of 2 $500 prizes at the poetry slam April 10 in Joliet.

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington invites community to virtual listening session: Midewin wants public input on the future of recreation at the prairie.  

CITGO Lemont Refinery donates $7,500 Greater Joliet Area YMCA: The donation will help support the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund.

5 Things to do in Will County: Musical events, full moon hike, craft fair: Plus, Lewis University in Romeoville hosting 3rd generation printmaker Benjamin Calvert. 

Mystery Diner in Joliet: Great American Bagel goes green for St. Patrick’s: Specialty green bagel with Irish cheddar cheese served through March 17

Will County Humane Society to host annual Fur Ball on May 20: Individual, double seating and table pricing for the event at Harrah’s Joliet.

Pets of the Week: March 14: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption. 

An Extraordinary Life: Joliet man served 2 branches of military, raised 3 families: Merle Widner taught ‘morals and values’ and ‘how to have an open mind’

The Zonta Club of the Joliet Area will host a traveling film festival on March 29: Women wrote, directed and produced the 8 films in LUNAFEST. 

Channahon resident using his EMT training 3 feet from Ukraine border: Ryan Chocholek: ‘I quit my job to come here because this is where people needed help.’

Troy Township to host ‘Avoiding Home Repair Scams’ on April 21: Learn tips for making informed choices when hiring contractors 

New outpatient treatment center in Mokena offers traditional, alternative therapies: Mindset Transformations is licensed by the state of Illinois to offer outpatient substance abuse treatment.

Troy Township offering Mobile Driver Services Unit and I-Cash on April 12: Registration for the Rules of the Road Review course is required.

‘Luck of the Irish’ won’t save drunk drivers from DUIs: The Illinois State Police and local law enforcement are conducting roadside safety checks through March 18.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 4 to March 11

 Good morning!

I have just ten feature stories to share with you today, at least as many more not posted yet. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

On the fiction front, I'm still making nice progress on Call of the Siren. I have all but five (and part of a sixth) chapter edited, and I hope to have at least one more in good shape by the end of the weekend.

Call of the Siren is the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy). I'm anticipating a late spring publication date, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins.

We plan to release Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones and Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being very soon.

Rebekah simply needs to incorporate the edits in "'Mistical' Being" (we've gone through the proof) and she needs to format "Calcium Bones." 

Timothy has also completed the outline for the next book in the series, a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). We were hoping to make some time for a "Cornell Breakfast" over the holidays, but that didn't happen - maybe next weekend? However, he did finish the bulk of his overhaul of the BryonySeries website. You can read more about that here.

Sarah also had a crazy dream that sounded perfect for An Adventure of Cornell Dyer mystery. But she wants time to draw some sketches, a map, and write the "rules." It's called Cornell Dyer and the House of Broken Portals.

Bertrand the Mouse has "returned," and you can read about it here, here, and here. 

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed two portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a third. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

Rebekah Baran has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is halfway written, and the rest are outlined. 

Jennifer and I texted back and forth yesterday, and she is making good progress on the third cover art. I will start releasing this series when I have three completed books. 

Now back to the ten stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too -

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I do post the briefs on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FEATURES

3 Canada geese found in Will County test positive for Avian flu: But you can take steps to protect yourself and your birds.

5 Things to do in Will County: Nature walks, Irish parade, Route 66 band: Plus the Fish & Hook Sport Show is coming to Lockport VFW Post 5788.

Illinois historical societies seeking relatives of Joliet iron worker ‘Big Steve’ Sutton: Illinois State Historical Society will honor union workers ambushed on July 19, 1932. 

Union nurses at St. Joe’s in Joliet still struggling to sort out payroll discrepancies: Donna Gholson: ‘To me, this doesn’t seem to be that hard of a thing to be fixed’

Silver Cross’ new platform makes scheduling medical appointments easier: Schedule through the New Lenox hospital’s SCHedule NOW platform.

Winter weather didn’t stop Lockport HS from honoring veterans: Three World War II #veterans received special acknowledgment

Pets of the Week: March 7: Will County Rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

An Extraordinary Life: Joliet Slammers fan was ‘ultimate mentor to so many kids’: Richard Jaworowksi’s daughter hosting event at stadium in July to benefit local charities and honor his legacy 

New Lenox resident, English teacher in Ukraine️ left the country just in time: But Greg Aimaro is worried about his friends and hopes to return soon.

Agape Missions, NFP hosting vaccine clinic on March 12 in Joliet: The vaccine is free. Walk-ins are welcome.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 19 through Feb. 25

 Good morning!

I have just sixteen feature stories to share with you today, despite only working three days this week (I worked through the weekend last week). So Friday rolled around quickly this week. 

Thank you to everyone who braved the winter weather to attend the "meet your local authors" program at the Joliet Public Library last night.

Duanne Walton, WriteOn Joliet's "intrepid videographer" recorded it. Several WriteOn Joliet members attended it. And several writers from the community came out, too, stayed for the entire program, and chatted to Tom and I after the formal part of the event had ended.

And we sold a few books, too, rounding out a pleasant evening. And one person who wants to be notified when Call of the Siren is published (I read an excerpt from that book last night).

On the fiction front, I'm still making nice progress on Call of the Siren. I have all but five (and part of a sixth) chapter edited, and I hope to have at least one more in good shape by the end of the weekend.

Call of the Siren is the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy). I'm anticipating a late spring publication date, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins.

We plan to release Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones and Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being very soon.

Rebekah simply needs to incorporate the edits in "'Mistical' Being" (we've gone through the proof) and she needs to format "Calcium Bones."

Timothy has also completed the outline for the next book in the series, a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). We were hoping to make some time for a "Cornell Breakfast" over the holidays, but that didn't happen - maybe next weekend? However, he did finish the bulk of his overhaul of the BryonySeries website. You can read more about that here.

Sarah also had a crazy dream that sounded perfect for An Adventure of Cornell Dyer mystery. But she wants time to draw some sketches, a map, and write the "rules." It's called Cornell Dyer and the House of Broken Portals.

Bertrand the Mouse has "returned," and you can read about it here, here, and here. 

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed two portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a third. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

Rebekah Baran has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is halfway written, and the rest are outlined. 

Jennifer and I texted back and forth yesterday, and she is making good progress on the third cover art. I will start releasing this series when I have three completed books. 

Now back to the sixteen stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too -

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I do post the briefs on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FEATURES

Ukrainian pastor inviting community to pray for peace Thursday night at his Joliet church: Rev. Mykola Bodnarchuk is ‘grateful to God’ for freedoms in the U.S.

Crest Hill plant store and ‘safe space’ to hold grand opening on Feb. 19: Features include hand-painted pots and plant pairings, painting classes and mental health awareness

Nurses union says some at St. Joe’s still not paid in full since Kronos ransomware attack: Union wants Joliet hospital to meet with nurses one-on-one to review pay

Kathy Whalen retires from Plainfield Park District after 21+ years of service: Shorewood resident has worked in parks and recreation for 36 years

Baran-Unland: How social media landed a friend in hot water: Here’s how one Will County resident received an outpouring of support

Pets of the Week: Feb. 21: Will County Rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

An Extraordinary Life: Plainfield man ‘really had a deep love and affection for his hometown’: Jerry Taylor was a business owner, asst. fire chief, village board member and loyal friend and family man

Visitation and Aid Society of Joliet to host brunch May 1: The organization is more than 100 years old and continues to assist Will County residents.

D. 86 in Joliet announces its students of the month for January: Students at 13 buildings were recognized 

54 students from D. 204 in Joliet named Illinois State Scholars: Students recognized for their ‘exceptional academic achievement’

Mystery Diner in Joliet: Can’t decide what to order? Johnny’s Beef & Gyros has something for nearly everyone: Online ordering, catering and delivery options available at this Joliet venue

District 204 in Joliet announces its students of the month for February 2022: Service clubs honored ‘character, responsibility, and academic performance or improvement’

JTHS Foundation to host trivia event on March 13 in Joliet: Table reservations and event sponsorships are available. 

Morris Hospital to host community blood drive March 1: Donors will help replenish local blood supplies

5 Things to do in Will County near me: Girl Scout cookies, entertainment vintage faire And check out the ‘Will County Works: On the River’ on Thursday night, too. 

SHIP counselors available to help with Medicare Advantage Plan: Morris Hospital is the sponsor for the local Senior Health Insurance Program program

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"